Method of Gaming, A Gaming System and A Game Controller

ABSTRACT

A method of gaming comprising: providing at least one modifier, each modifier adapted to modify a prize to be awarded to a player for a game outcome in a manner known in advance by the player; offering the player an option to select a modifier; and applying any selected modifier to modify the prize for the game outcome.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Application No.2008901339 having a filing date of Mar. 18, 2008 and AustralianApplication No. 2008901793 having a filing date of Apr. 11, 2008, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide a gaming system including a gaming controllerarranged to generate a random result and apply game rules to the resultto determine a game outcome for which a player may be awarded a prize ifa predetermined winning outcome occurs. A player can place a wager toplay the game and typically the wagered amount will represent a numberof credits or a monetary value. A prize awarded to a player based on awinning outcome can be based on the amount wagered to play the game.

There is a need for an alternative game in order to maintain or increaseplayer interest and enjoyment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect there is provided a method of gaming comprising:

providing at least one modifier, each modifier adapted to modify a prizeto be awarded to a player for a game outcome in a manner known inadvance by the player;

offering the player an option to select a modifier; and

applying any selected modifier to modify the prize for the game outcome.

In some embodiments a modifier can be applied to a given number of gameoutcomes of a plurality of game outcomes. The given number can be lessthan a total of the plurality of game outcomes.

In an embodiment a set of a given number of modifiers are provided andeach modifier can be applied for one game outcome only.

In an embodiment each modifier has a different value.

In an embodiment a plurality of game outcomes are generated and themethod comprises the steps for each game outcome of:

generating a game outcome;

offering the player an option to select a modifier to apply for the gameoutcome; and

applying any selected modifier to any prize for the outcome beforegenerating a next game outcome.

An embodiment of the method further comprises the step of notifying theplayer of a prize to be awarded before selecting a modifier to apply forthe game outcome.

The modifier can be provided for feature game outcomes. Access to thefeature game outcomes may be provided on fulfillment of eligibilitycriteria. For example, the eligibility criteria can be based on a gameoutcome or player activity.

Outcomes for the feature game can be generated until an end condition ismet.

Each modifier can be a multiplier.

The modifiers can be predetermined, determined during game play based onpredetermined game rules, determined based on player action ordetermined during game play based on a random modifier selectionprocess.

An embodiment can further comprise the steps of: selecting a newmodifier when the player selects not to apply the modifier; and applyingthe new modifier to modify the prize for the game outcome. The newmodifier can be randomly selected from a set of modifiers.

According to another aspect there is provided a game controllercomprising:

a game outcome generator adapted to generate a game outcome for a playerbased on a random result;

a game outcome evaluator adapted to determine a prize to be awarded tothe player when predetermined winning criteria occur in the gameoutcome; and

a prize manager adapted to apply a player selected modifier to modify,in a manner known in advance by the player, the prize to be awarded to aplayer for a game outcome.

According to another aspect there is provided a game system comprising:

a player interface for entering game play instructions by a player andproviding game outcome and prize information to the player;

a game outcome generator adapted to generate a game outcome for a playerbased on a random result;

a game outcome evaluator adapted to determine a prize to be awarded tothe player when predetermined winning criteria occur in the gameoutcome; and

a prize manager adapted to apply a player selected modifier to modify,in a manner known in advance by the player, the prize to be awarded to aplayer for a game outcome.

The game system may be implemented across a network or as a stand alonegaming system.

According to another aspect there is provided computer program codewhich when executed causes a computer to implement a computer controlledgaming method as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described inrelation to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gamingmachine;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system;

FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a game process;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an alternative embodiment of a game process.

FIGS. 9 a to 9 g illustrate reel spin outcomes for Example 1.

FIGS. 10 a to 10 c illustrate reel spin outcomes for Example 2.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 e illustrate reel spin outcomes for Example 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a gaming method and gaming controller as described enablea player to select whether to modify the prize to be awarded for a gameoutcome in a manner known in advance by the player using a selectedmodifier. Embodiments may be applied to any type of game, such as aspinning reel game, poker, keno, bingo, pinball, dice etc.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all ormost components required for implementing the game are present in aplayer operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some ofthe components required for implementing the game are present in aplayer operable gaming device and some of the components required forimplementing the game are located remotely relative to the gamingdevice. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used whereinpart of the game is executed on a player operable gaming device, such asan interactive player terminal, and part of the game is executedremotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecturemay be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by agaming server and a player operable gaming device or player terminal isused only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to theplayer and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged.For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming device isnetworked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gamingdevice and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example,the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thickclient” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played,operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent topersons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several corecomponents. At the broadest level, the core components are a playerinterface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Theplayer interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between aplayer and the gaming system and for this purpose includes theinput/output components required for the player to enter instructionsand play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment toembodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable aplayer to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54 anda game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game playinstructions (e.g. to place a wager), and one or more speakers 58.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the playerinterface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the gameplay instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs gameplay outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions arestored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Hereinthe term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that canprocess game play instructions in accordance with game play rules andmay include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logicdevice or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. aPC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 202 isillustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 202 includes a console 12having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 202houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with thegaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 20 alsohouses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coininput chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanismsmay also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smartcard, debit card or credit card. Other gaming machines may configure forticket in such that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets havinga value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticker.A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may alsobe provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, forexample as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may bein the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage mediumcapable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, theplayer marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism,either by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits storedon the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a playeraccount in data communication with the player marketing module.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables anddetails of bonus awards and other information or images relating to thegame. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a frontpanel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the frontpanel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 202.

The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit,particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, thedisplay 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any othersuitable video display unit, or the visible portion of anelectromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, forexample a video display unit, which may be of the same type as thedisplay 14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gamingmachine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine ofFIG. 2.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 arestored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with theprocessor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include bothvolatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type ofmemory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes includingensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, aninput/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheraldevices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/orthe peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memoryfor storing associated instructions and data for use with theinput/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random numbergenerator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference torandom numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120 includesperipheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 and maycomprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and buttons 107, acard and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/orcoin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additionalhardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardwaremay be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example,while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines toallow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any inputdevice that enables the player to input game play instructions may beused.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communicationsinterface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, forexample, send status information, accounting information or otherinformation to a central controller, server or database and receive dataor commands from the central controller, server or database. Inembodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over anetwork may be via player marketing module—i.e. the player marketingmodule may be in data communication with one or more of the abovedevices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplarymemory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a massstorage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds programfiles for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or gamerelated code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to storegame programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/orauthenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller101.

FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternativeembodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which forexample may be an Ethernet network. Gaming devices 202, shown arrangedin three banks 203 of two gaming devices 202 in FIG. 5, are connected tothe network 201. The gaming devices 202 provide a player operableinterface and may be the same as the gaming machines 202, 100 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on therequirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gamingdevices are illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gamingdevices are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. Thedisplays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203of gaming devices. The displays 204 may be used to displayrepresentations associated with game play on the gaming devices 202,and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional orinformational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of thegame played by a player using a gaming device 202 and the gaming device202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the gameserver and the gaming device implement part of the game, theycollectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloadingor access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, ifthe gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, aJackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpotgame. Additional servers 212 may be provided to implement otherfunctions depending on the embodiment implemented for the gaming venue.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all ofthe game played by a player using a gaming device 202 and the gamingdevice 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With thisembodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gamingmachine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game serverwhich will process them and return game play outcomes to the gamingdevice for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming devicescould be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides aplayer interface operable using standard computer input and outputcomponents. Other client/server configurations are possible, and furtherdetails of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration ofthe gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor managementserver 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licensesrelating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is providedto allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devicesconnected to the network.

The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, otherlocal networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide areanetwork such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with knowntechniques, functionality at the server side of the network may bedistributed over a plurality of different computers. For example,elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separateserver may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run arandom generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random numbergenerator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the artwill appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided torun different games or a single game server may run a plurality ofdifferent games as required by the terminals.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming systems that allowa player to select for a game outcome whether or not to apply a modifierto modify a prize to be awarded for the game outcome in a manner knownin advance by the player. Embodiments may be applied for any type ofgame, for example spinning reel, poker, keno, bingo, pin and ball, dicegames etc Embodiments may be used in game systems which use mechanicalrandom result generation processes or electronic random numbergenerators to generate game outcomes.

Embodiments of the gaming method provide at least one modifier adaptedto modify in a manner known in advance by the player any prize to beawarded for a game outcome. The modifier is optionally selected by theplayer. In an embodiment the player knows both the prize to be awardedfor a game outcome and the modifier before selecting to apply themodifier for the game outcome to modify the prize.

An embodiment of a game system 600 for providing a game including theprize modifier is illustrated in FIG. 6. The system 600 comprises aplayer interface 50 and a game controller 60.

The player interface 50 includes the components required for a player toenter game play instructions which can include wagers to play the game.For example in the illustrated embodiment the player interface includesa display 54 for displaying game data including outcome data and prizedata, and a game play mechanism 56 enabling a player to input game playinstructions. The player interface may be a player interface portion ofa gaming device such as a stand alone gaming machine or a playerterminal in a client-server type embodiment.

The game controller 60 includes a processor 62 and a memory 64. In thisembodiment memory 64 stores game rules 610 for the game being played,prize modifier data 620 and player data 630. In this embodiment a gameoutcome generator 640, a game outcome evaluator 645 and a prize manager650 are implemented as functions in the processor 62. Alternatively, thegame controller 60 may be implemented using hardware circuits designedto perform some or all of the functions of the game outcome generator640, game outcome evaluator 645 and prize manager. For example,hardwired circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) orprogrammable hardware such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) maybe used to implement the game controller functions. Embodiments of thegame controller implemented using any combination of hardware, firmwareand software executed using a processor are envisaged.

The game outcome generator 640 can include all the functions requiredfor generating a random result, applying game rules to the random resultto generate a game outcome and displaying the game outcome. The gameoutcome evaluator 645 determines whether a prize is to be awarded to theplayer for the game outcome based on game rules 610. Alternatively thegame outcome evaluator 645 may receive game outcome data generated usinganother module or a mechanical random result generation process andsimply be adapted to apply game rules 610 to the generated game outcomedata to evaluate the game outcome and determine whether a prize winningevent has occurred. The outcome evaluator may also be adapted todetermine the prize to be awarded for a winning event, for example basedon a wager and the winning outcome. Alternatively determining the prizeto be awarded may be determined by the prize manager 650 based on a gameoutcome and optionally player data such as the wagered amount for agame. Player data is optional in determining prizes for game outcomes asprizes may be awarded for “free play” games which do not require a wagerto be placed.

The prize manager 650 is adapted to apply a modifier to modify a prizeto be awarded to the player for a game outcome if the player selects toapply the modifier. A player may select to apply a modifier to a gameoutcome before or after the game outcome is known. Whether the modifieris selected before or after a game outcome is evaluated is based on gamerules. Whether a player selects the modifier for a game outcome can bestored in memory 64 as player data 630 along with other game playinstructions, including any wager data and prize tally data.

The number of modifiers or number of game outcomes to which the modifiercan be applied may be defined as a fixed number or based on gameoutcomes in accordance with game rules 610. Alternatively a modifier maybe randomly selected for a player from a plurality of modifiers storedas modifier data 620 in memory 64. Prize modifier data 620 stored inmemory 64 can include the values and types of modifiers available andany tracking data for modifier application by a player. In an embodimentthe modifier is a multiplier, used to multiply the prize value ifselected. However, other modifiers may be provided, such as a valueadded to the prize value. Alternatively a modifier may reduce the prizeamount for example by subtracting a value or reducing the amount by apercentage value. In an embodiment where more than one modifier isprovided, each modifier may have a different value or mathematicalfunction, and some modifiers may reduce a prize value.

Credit units or “credits” representing a monetary value are often usedfor wagers and prizes, the credits can be redeemed as cash or otherprizes of equivalent value when a player chooses to stop playing. Forexample, each credit unit may represent a monetary value of 5 cents, soa player winning 10000 credits may redeem the monetary value of $500 forthe 10000 credits from the gaming venue when they have finished playing.

An embodiment of a game play process is illustrated in FIG. 7 for thisexample wagers and prizes are given as credits and the modifier is amultiplier adapted to multiply the number of prize credits by five, andthe game rules allow the player to apply the modifier in only one gameoutcome out of three. The game play is started 710 by placing a wager.The first game outcome is generated 720 and displayed to the playeralong with the available multiplier 730, any prize for the game outcomeis displayed 740. The player then selects 750 whether or not to applythe modifier for the game outcome. If a prize has been awarded, forexample twenty credits, the player may select to apply the modifier tomodify the prize 760 by multiplying the number of credits by five togive one hundred credits. The modifier data 770 is then updated toindicate that the modifier has been used and cannot be applied again forthe remainder of the three games. The modified prize value of onehundred credits is awarded to the player. If there is no prize or aprize of only a few credits the player may choose not to apply themodifier, in this case any prize is awarded 780 and the second game playis started 710 and the modifier remains available to be used for thenext game outcome. Once the set of three games is completed, themodifier may be enabled for use in the next set of games.

The gaming system of one embodiment provides “base game” outcomes and“feature game” outcomes wherein the prize modifier is provided. Forexample the feature becomes available once eligibility criteria are met.The eligibility for a feature game outcome may be based on an outcome ofa base game, for example the appearance of a special symbol orcombination of symbols in a game outcome of a base game. The player maypay an additional bet, known as an “ante bet”, for a chance for featuregame outcomes. Alternatively payment of an ante bet alone may fulfillthe eligibility criteria for feature game outcomes providing themodifier. The amount wagered for an ante bet may determine the valueand/or the number of modifiers made available to the player in thefeature game outcomes.

In one variation during the feature game outcomes, a series of gameoutcomes are generated which one or more modifiers may be applied to.Feature game outcomes may be generated until an end condition is met.For example, an end condition may be that a specified number of featuregame outcomes have been generated or a feature game outcome including anend condition such as a specified symbol has occurred.

An example of a game play process where the modifier is provided infeature game play is illustrated in FIG. 8. The player places a bet tostart the play of a base game 810 and an outcome is generated for thebase game 815. If the eligibility criteria 820 for feature game play arenot met then any prize for the base game will be awarded 825 and thegame process readies for the play of the next base game. If the gameoutcome fulfils the eligibility criteria 820 for feature game play, thenthe game play process continues on to generate one or more feature gameoutcomes for one or more feature game rounds where the player has theoption to apply a modifier to modify the prize to be awarded for thefeature game outcome. The number of feature game rounds may be preset orbased on an outcome of the base game. The available modifiers may alsobe preset or based on base game outcomes.

A feature game outcome is generated 830 and displayed to the player. Theplayer then selects 840 whether to apply a modifier. Where more than onemodifier is available the player may select which modifier to apply tothe feature game outcome. If the player selects a modifier, the prize ismodified 850 using the selected modifier, the modifier data updated 860and the modified prize awarded 870. If the player selects not to apply amodifier any prize for the feature game outcome is awarded 870unmodified.

The end criteria for the feature game play are checked 880 to determinewhether the feature game rounds are completed, for example if apredetermined number of feature game outcomes have been generated, anend symbol occurred in the feature game outcome, all available modifiershave been applied or the like. If the feature game rounds are notcompleted then the game play process continues to generate furtherfeature game outcomes 830 and enable modifier selection 840 etc untilthe end criteria are met. Once the end criteria are met the feature gameplay is completed and the game play process returns to the base game810.

Modifications to the exemplary game process are envisaged within thescope of various embodiments. For example, a feature game outcome mayaward generation of further feature game outcomes or a plurality of basegames may be played before feature game play is started. A player mayelect to terminate the feature game play, reserving any remainingmodifiers for future feature game outcomes or base game outcomes. Thefeature game play may use a different game from a base game play, forexample a base game may be a spinning reel game and the feature game adice game. These and any other modifications are contemplated within thescope of the present invention. Feature game rounds may be “free play”rounds or have a different betting structure to base game rounds.Feature game outcomes may be similar to base game outcomes but introducedifferent features such as additional symbols or prize patterns.Alternatively prize values for feature game outcomes may differ fromthose of a base game.

An outcome of one or more base games, as well as fulfilling eligibilitycriteria for feature game play may also be used to determine one or moremodifiers available to use in feature game rounds. For example, a seriesof base game rounds may be played before a feature game round can beplayed. For each of these base game rounds, if a specified outcomeoccurs this causes a modifier to be made available to a player for useduring a feature game round. For example, each time a combination ofthree dogs appears in a game outcome the number of times a predeterminedmodifier, say a five times multiplier, can be applied by a player isincreased by a known increment, such as one or two times, the size ofthe multiplier value or the increment may be fixed values defined ingame rules or based on the amount of an ante bet.

In an alternative example, for a spinning reel game, each time acombination of three cats appears in a win line of the game a two timesmultiplier may be added to the player's set of available modifiers. Eachtime a combination of four cats appears on a win line a five timesmultiplier is added to the available modifiers for the player, and eachtime five cats appears in a win line a ten times multiplier is added.These multipliers may be selectively applied during the play of one ormore feature game rounds. If the multipliers are not all applied for asequence of feature game outcomes, any unused multipliers may be lost orcarried over for use in subsequent feature game rounds, dependent on thegame rules of the particular game. Alternatively, a player may “win”multipliers in feature game rounds which can then be applied to modifyprizes awarded for outcomes in the base game.

The player selects a modifier to be applied from a set of knownmodifiers. This has the advantage of allowing the player to feel incontrol of the modification of the prize. This introduces an element ofstrategy regarding modifier selection into the game which can enhanceplayer enjoyment and engagement with the game.

In some embodiments the player knows the prize to be awarded for thegame before selecting which modifier to apply. In alternativeembodiments the player may be forced to select a modifier to applybefore discovering the prize for the game outcome.

In an embodiment a player is provided with a number of modifiers equalto a number of game rounds in which they are to be applied, and theplayer must apply a modifier to the game outcome generated for eachround. Not all the modifiers may alter the prize in a manner favorableto the player. For example, a modifier may reduce the value of a prizeby a given amount or percentage or cause a prize to be lost.

In another embodiment if a player selects not to apply a modifier for agame outcome, a new modifier can be selected and automatically appliedto the game outcome. The new modifier can be randomly selected from aset of modifiers, which may or may not be known to the player. Forexample, a modifier may be represented by a dice roll which provides amultiplier value of one, two, three, four five or six. Initially thedice shows two, and the player selects not to apply the modifier. Thegame controller can then randomly select another modifier from the set.The new modifier is automatically applied to the result, so if theresult is four the prize for the game outcome is multiplied by four. Anembodiment may allow more than one modifier, such as a dice symbol on aspinning reel, to appear in a reel spin outcome. In this embodiment theplayer can select which modifier to apply. If neither modifier isselected then new modifiers may be selected to replace each modifier andthe modifier automatically applied based on game rules, for examplechoosing the highest or lowest modifier value or a default modifier mayalways be selected to apply, such as the modifier appearing on reel two.Alternatively the player may be required to nominate which modifier'snew value will be applied before the new modifier is selected.

Selecting the new modifier can be done using pseudo-random numbergeneration performed by a game controller processor to select a newmodifier from a given set. An appropriate animation may be displayed forthe player's entertainment, for example a dice roll or spinning wheelanimation. Alternatively a mechanical random result generation processcan be used, for example a mechanical dice roll, drawing a card from ashuffled deck, flipping a coin, spinning a wheel etc.

The modifier may not be provided for every game outcome. For example, amodifier may be provided as a symbol on a spinning reel or a specialcard in a deck etc so that the modifier is only provided if the specialsymbol is included in a game outcome. In an embodiment where themodifier is represented as a symbol on a spinning reel the modifiersymbol can be substituted for any another symbol on the reel and may notappear in every reel spin outcome. Alternatively the modifier may beprovided as a side game during feature game play. For example thefeature game may be a spinning reel game which generates the gameoutcome and a side game may be a wheel spin to determine the modifierfor the game outcome. If the player selects not to play the modifierinitially selected for a wheel spin, the wheel is spun again, the newmodifier selected, and applied to the prize associated with the reelspin outcome.

Some exemplary embodiments of gaming methods, controllers and systemsapplying prize modifiers have been described herein. A person skilled inthe art should readily appreciate that the prize modification featuremay be applied in many alternative embodiments. Any modifications oralterations to the prize modifiers described herein are envisaged withinthe scope of the present invention.

In the preceding description, except where the context requiresotherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word“comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used inan inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated featuresbut not to preclude the presence or addition of further features invarious embodiments.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein,such reference does not constitute an admission that the publicationforms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in any country.

Example 1

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinningreel game. The modifiers in this example are defined by the game rulesas multipliers. The number and values of the multipliers are fixed forall of a series of feature game rounds. According to the game rules aplayer can apply each multiplier once only in the series of feature gamerounds.

A player triggers a series of 7 feature game rounds from a base game.During the feature game rounds the play of the game is free and prizescan be multiplied by the player selecting a multiplier shown on thescreen. Once the multiplier is used, it is removed from the selectionprocess.

In this example, the player is playing 1 credit per line on 3 lines(bet=3). During free rounds, the cost of a reel spin is 0 and the numberof lines played is the same as the originating game. The player has 100credits remaining before the start of the feature game play.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 9 a. The symbols on the reels 910 do not include any winningcombinations. The player chooses not to apply a modifier and playcontinues with the next fee spin.

The outcome for the second free reel spin is illustrated in FIG. 9 b.The outcome includes 3* DOG on the top line of the reels 910 which pays10. The player can choose to multiply the win by one of the multipliers920 930 940 on offer. The player selects the *10 multiplier 920. The winof 10 is multiplied by 10 so the prize paid to the player is 100. The*10 multiplier 920 is removed as an option.

The outcome for the third free spin is illustrated in FIG. 9 c. Thesymbols on the reels 910 do not include any winning combinations. Theplayer chooses not to apply a modifier and play continues with the nextfee spin.

The outcome for the fourth free spin is illustrated in FIG. 9 d. Thisshows a win of 5*A on the top line of the reels 910 and the prize forthis symbol combination is 100. The player can choose to multiply thiswin by the remaining multipliers 930 940. The player chooses *5multiplier 940. The player is paid 5*100 credits and the 5* multiplieris removed.

The outcome for the fifth free spin is illustrated in FIG. 9 e. Thesymbols on the reels 910 do not include any winning combinations. Theplayer chooses not to apply a modifier and play continues with the nextfee spin.

The outcome for the sixth free spin is illustrated in FIG. 9 f. Thesymbols on the reels 910 include 2*10 on the top row, prize=5, 3* dog onthe middle row, prize=10, and 5*K on the bottom row, prize=50. The totalprize for the outcome is 65 and the player is asked if they wish tomultiply. The player chooses the last multiplier *2 930 and is paid2*65=130. The *2 multiplier 930 is removed.

The outcome for the seventh and final free spin is illustrated in FIG. 9g. The symbols on the reels 910 include 5*9 on the top row, prize=50, 3*Q on the middle row, prize=10, and 5*A on the bottom row, prize=100. Thetotal prize is 160 and the player can no longer multiply. The prize paidis 160.

At the end of the feature game the player has a total of 990 credits.

Example 2

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinningreel game. The modifiers in this example are defined by the game rulesas multipliers. The number and values of the multipliers are fixed forall of a series of feature games. According to the game rules a playercan apply each multiplier once only in the series of feature gameoutcomes.

A player triggers a series of 3 feature game outcomes from a base game.During the feature game rounds the play of the game is free and prizesfor each outcome must be multiplied by the player selecting a multipliershown on the screen. Once the multiplier is used, it is removed from theselection process.

In this example, the player is playing 1 credit per line on 3 lines(bet=3). During free game rounds, the cost of a reel spin is 0 and thenumber of lines played is the same as the originating game. The playerhas 100 credits remaining before the start of the feature game rounds.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 10 a. The symbols on the reels 1010 do not include any winningcombinations. The player must choose a modifier. The player chooses the*2 multiplier 1030. The *2 multiplier 1030 is removed and play continueswith the next fee spin.

The outcome for the second free spin is illustrated in FIG. 10 b. Thesymbols on the reels 1010 include 2*10 on the top row, prize=5, 3* dogon the middle row, prize=10, and 5*K on the bottom row, prize=50. Thetotal prize for the outcome is 65 and the player is asked whichmultiplier to apply. The player chooses the *5 multiplier 1040 and ispaid 5*65=325. The *5 multiplier 940 is removed.

The outcome for the third and final free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 10 c. The outcome includes 3* DOG on the top line of the reels 1010which pays 10. The remaining *10 multiplier 1020 is automaticallyapplied. The win of 10 is multiplied by 10 so the prize paid to theplayer is 100.

At the end of the feature game rounds the player has a total of 525credits.

Example 3

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinningreel game. The modifiers in this example are defined by the game rulesas multipliers and they are selected from a set representative of thevalues of dice facets. According to the game rules a player can apply amultiplier only when a dice symbol appears in a reel spin outcome.

A player triggers a series of 3 feature game rounds from a base game.During the feature game rounds the play of the game is free and prizescan be multiplied by a multiplier displayed on a dice symbol appearingin a reel spin result. If the player selects not to apply the modifierfor an outcome, a new modifier is selected and automatically applied tomodify any prize.

In this example, the player is playing 1 credit per line on 3 lines(bet=3). During free game rounds, the cost of a reel spin is 0 and thenumber of lines played is the same as the originating game. The playerhas 100 credits remaining before the start of the feature game rounds.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 11 a. The symbols on the reels 1110 do not include any winningcombinations. The DICE modifier 1120 appears on reel two with a value ofsix. The player applies the modifier, which has no effect on the prizeoutcome of zero and play continues with the next fee spin.

The outcome for the second free spin is illustrated in FIG. 11 b. Thesymbols on the reels 1110 include 2*10 on the top row, prize=5, 3* dogon the middle row, prize=10, and 5*K on the bottom row, prize=50. Thetotal prize for the outcome is 65. The DICE modifier 1130 with a valueof three appears on reel four. The player is asked whether to apply themodifier or not. The player chooses not to apply the DICE modifier 1130to multiply the result by three. An animated dice roll is displayed theanimated dice comes to rest showing a new modifier value of five. Theoutcome after the new modifier value is selected is represented in FIG.11 c. The new DICE modifier 1135 value of five is automatically appliedto the prize to be paid 5*65 so the modified prize paid is 325 credits.

The outcome for the third and final free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 11 d. The outcome includes 3* DOG on the top line of the reels 1110which pays 10. The DICE modifier 1140 appears on reel two with a valueof two. The player chooses not to apply the modifier and the dice isroll animation is played again while a new modifier value is selected.The outcome after the new modifier value is selected is represented inFIG. 11 e. The new DICE modifier 1145 value of one is automaticallyapplied to the prize to be paid 1*10 so the modified prize paid is 10credits, whereas if the player had selected to apply the modifieroriginally the prize paid would have been 2* 10, 20 credits. At the endof the feature game the player has a total of 435 credits.

1. A method of gaming comprising: providing at least one modifier, eachmodifier adapted to modify a prize to be awarded to a player for a gameoutcome in a manner known in advance by the player; offering the playeran option to select a modifier; and applying any selected modifier tomodify the prize for the game outcome.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1wherein a modifier can be applied to a given number of game outcomes ofa plurality of game outcomes.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 whereinthe given number is less than a total of the plurality of game outcomes.4. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein a set of a given number ofmodifiers are provided and each modifier can be applied for one gameoutcome only.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein each modifierhas a different value.
 6. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein aplurality of game outcomes are generated and the method comprises thesteps for each game outcome of: generating a game outcome; offering theplayer an option to select a modifier to apply for the game outcome; andapplying any selected modifier to any prize for the outcome beforegenerating a next game outcome.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1further comprising the step of notifying the player of a prize to beawarded before selecting a modifier to apply for the game outcome.
 8. Amethod as claimed in claim 1 wherein the modifier is provided forfeature game outcomes.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein accessto the feature game outcomes is provided on fulfillment of eligibilitycriteria.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the eligibilitycriteria is based on a game outcome.
 11. A method as claimed in claim 9wherein the eligibility criteria is based on player activity.
 12. Amethod as claimed in claim 8 wherein feature game outcomes are generateduntil an end condition is met.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 1wherein each modifier is a multiplier.
 14. A method as claimed in claim1 wherein the modifiers are predetermined.
 15. A method as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the modifiers are determined during game play based onpredetermined game rules.
 16. A method as clamed in claim 1 wherein themodifiers are determined based on player action.
 17. A method as claimedin claim 1 wherein the modifiers are determined during game play basedon a random modifier selection process.
 18. A method as claimed in claim1 further comprising the steps of: selecting a new modifier when theplayer selects not to apply the modifier; and applying the new modifierto modify the prize for the game outcome.
 19. A method as claimed inclaim 18 wherein the new modifier is randomly selected from a set ofmodifiers.
 20. A game controller comprising: a game outcome generatoradapted to generate a game outcome for a player based on a randomresult; a game outcome evaluator adapted to determine a prize to beawarded to the player when predetermined winning criteria occur in thegame outcome; and a prize manager adapted to apply a player selectedmodifier to modify, in a manner known in advance by the player, theprize to be awarded to a player for a game outcome.
 21. A game systemcomprising: a player interface for entering game play instructions by aplayer and providing game outcome and prize information to the player; agame outcome generator adapted to generate a game outcome for a playerbased on a random result; a game outcome evaluator adapted to determinea prize to be awarded to the player when predetermined winning criteriaoccur in the game outcome; and a prize manager adapted to apply a playerselected modifier to modify, in a manner known in advance by the player,the prize to be awarded to a player for a game outcome.
 22. A gamesystem as claimed in claim 21 wherein the gaming system is implementedacross a network.
 23. A game system as claimed in claim 21 wherein thegaming system is implemented as a stand alone gaming system. 24.Computer program code which when executed causes a computer to implementa computer controlled gaming method as claimed in claim 1.